Washing machines and environmental impact Essay Example

Washing machines and environmental impact Paper Washing machines are second only to toilets as the largest water users in the home, accounting for 14 percent of household water use. Household water consumption has a significant impact on aquatic life, especially when water supplies come from freshwater lakes and streams. The ROI Grander, recently named one of the World Wildlife Funds Top 10 Rivers at Risk, has been so overreacted that saltwater from the Gulf of Mexico has begun moving upstream and endangering native species. O far, 32 Of he rivers 121 native species have been displaced as a result of increased salinity. Just like the ROI Grander, city water supplies are succumbing to saltwater intrusion, which occurs when increased pumping of groundwater allows saltwater pools to infiltrate freshwater supplies, making water unfit for human use. In response, cities are installing energy- intensive desalination plants, which require more fossil- fuel-derived power that, in turn, contributes to global warming. To date, desalination plants can be found in a ewe states and several countries. Energy Issues Keeping washing machines running also requires a great deal of fossil-fuel-supplied energy that, in turn, emits about 1 60 pounds of the green house gas carbon dioxide (CA) per year per machine. Just supplying the water for washing machines consumes a considerable amount of energy. In total, water supply and treatment facilities use about 50 billion kilowatt-hours per year. If 1 out of every 100 IS. S. Moms switched to water-efficient appliances, the energy savings could reach 100 million kHz per year and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 75,000 tons. According to recent U. S. Environmental Protection Agency statistics, at least 36 states are anticipating local, regional or statewide water shortages by 2013. Out West, water conflicts have raged for decades, mainly among farmers, who need water for their crops, and city water consumers. Cities are gradually taking more water, which could me an a long-term struggle for small farmers. We will write a custom essay sample on Washing machines and environmental impact specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on Washing machines and environmental impact specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on Washing machines and environmental impact specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer